Cloud Computing editorial: Changing the game

The term “cloud computing” has only graced the pages of technology publications and corporate IT agendas over the last 18 months. But already, it has become one of the most dominating technology trends influencing the IT industry.

There’s no doubt market interest is accelerating, and the number of organisations promoting cloud offerings both locally and abroad has grown exponentially. Yet there are still significant questions to overcome around how far cloud computing solutions can go, and more importantly, how channel partners can monetise and profit from this forceful game-changer.

The roundtable was not the first ARN has held about cloud computing – less than 12 months ago, we pulled IT representatives together in a similar forum to discuss what cloud computing was all about, and how they expected it to impact their business and customer strategies.

What surprised me was how far the conversation – and channel initiative – has progressed since then. During our first “cloud” roundtable, much of the discussion centred around definitions, and what IT providers needed to do to get into cloud computing. To a large extent, topics covered were theoretical, relying on opinions rather than practical examples. At the time, I also felt the conversation was restricted by the lack of clarity and knowledge around cloud solutions and what they could achieve.

As you will see from the roundtable write-up, attendees this time around are not only comfortable with cloud, but have already invested heavily in building cloud-based offerings for their customers. The representatives were able to talk at length about tackling cloud for their clients, what infrastructure and applications suited a cloud environment, and how as-a-service solutions operated.

Yet some of the same concerns remain. For instance, how does the broader reseller population go about building a cloud service? Should they start from scratch and own datacentres, resell someone else’s offering, or adopt a consulting/broker position across the top? There are also still significant bridges to construct around standardisation and mobility, billing mechanisms, security and portability.

The sheer significance of this on-demand, as-a-service IT delivery method is going to continue transforming the way end-user organisations acquire technology and run their businesses. Simultaneously, it’s revolutionising the way IT providers not only interact with their customer base, but also manage, support and service all manner of technology requirements.

I recommend all of you make sure you know where you fit in a cloud computing world, because this is a revolution.

Slideshows

ARN Exchange: Channel discusses security spending priorities

Customers spending priorities, drawing up a security strategy for customers and partners, detailing how partners can increase profit through security and outlining key areas of market growth ahead were some of the topics discussed at the ARN Exchange event in Sydney. Partners got together to talk about the spending priorities of customers within the security market today and the skills required from partners to deliver those services. The event was in association with Juniper Networks, Webroot, Cloud Plus and Mimecast. Photos by Christine Wong.

What are the spending priorities of customers within the security market today and what are the skills required from partners to deliver those services? An overview of the security market in Australia was debated in the ARN Exchange event in Melbourne with discussions covering the customers spending priorities, drawing up a security strategy for customers and partners, detailing how partners can increase profit through security and outlining key areas of market growth ahead. The event was in association with Juniper Networks, Webroot, Cloud Plus and Mimecast. Photos by Raymond Korn.

The channel came together for the forth running of the ARN Emerging Leaders Forum in Australia, created to provide a program that identifies, educates and showcases the upcoming talent of the ICT industry.
Hosted as a half day forum, attendees heard from industry specialists as keynoters and panellists discussed leadership paths and career choices. Hall of Fame members and industry mentors​ hosted small groups of future leaders to mentor and advise.
This also marked ARN's inaugural 30 Under 30 Tech Awards, which recognised young talent in the Australian IT industry across technical, sales, marketing, management, human resources and entrepreneur categories.
Photos by Christine Wong.

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